Astrophytum capricorne var. niveum Photo by: Valentino Vallicelli
It is a variety with striking rigid thorns and very more closely whiter flocking, it is indubitably one of the more beautiful of the astrophytums.
Origin and Habitat: Region of Cuatro Cinegas in the centre of the state of Coahuila (Mexico) The variety ’niveum’ is the more northern of the capricornes (Latitude 27° North)
Habitat: Desert of Chihuahua at an altitude of about 600 m among the impenetrable “Mesquite” woodland (spiny bushes) along with Lophophora williamsiiSN|1117]]SN|1117]], Ariocarpus fissuratusSN|2114]]SN|2114]] and Echinocactus horizonthaloniusSN|1711]]SN|1711]].
It grows in gravely soil among limestone rocks in a very dry area (±180 mm rain/year mainly from May to September).
The temperature is very variable either seasonally and daily. Freezing temperatures in the winter are quite frequent. The insulation and luminosity are also very strong. The seed dispersion in habitat is pursued by ants.
Synonyms:
See all synonyms of Astrophytum capricorne
Description: A. capricorne v. niveum is bigger than var. senilis and var. aureum, and its dimension are similar to the standard species.
Stem: Robust, at first globular then cylindrical up to 50 cm tall, diameter up to 20 cm (this size correspond in habitat to a 50 years old plant). The epidermis is densely covered with white flecks that give the plant a furry look. The hairy scales are pure white also in the new growth, while in the type species the new flecks are initially brownish and turn into white only lately.
Spines: 6-8 per areole, striking strong of variable size (max. 7-9 cm long) flat, bent upward and not very wavy. Brownish-blackish that turn grey-chalky as they age. Nice yellow and white spined forms are also common in cultivation.
Flower: Medium sized, 7 cm (max. 9 cm) yellow with a red or orange throat.
Fruit: Fruit and seeds are identical to the standard species.
Remarks: A. capricorne v. niveum form nudum (Syn: Astrophytum capricorneSN|3564]]SN|3564]] var. crassispinum)
Recently (1985-1986) a curious A. niveum without the typical white flecks covering was fuond at about 10 kilometers on the west of Cuatro Cinegas. This ‘nudumum’m’ form grows in association with normal white flecked specimens. This plant caused many confusions among botanists and collectors because it has been also indicated with a different name Astrophytum capricorneSN|3564]]SN|3564]] var. crassispinum. Astrophytum capricorneSN|3564]]SN|3564]] and its varieties are very variable in their habit even in small areas. And it is understandable that today we often have problems to decide to which population plants belong
Subspecies, varieties, forms and cultivars of plants belonging to the Astrophytum capricorne group
- Astrophytum capricorne F.A.C.Weber in Bois: Solitary globose or columnar cactus with long, curled and spines that looks like goat's horns.
- Astrophytum capricorne var. aureum Megata: The spines are golden yellow when young, but as they age become greyish like in the other capricorne.
- Astrophytum capricorne var. crassispinum nudum (H.Moeller) Y.Itô: The stems is larger bright green and almost bare (lack white dots). Spines arestriking strong and up to 8.5 cm long, flat, black to brown, or (occasionally white or yellow) in the youth, later grey-chalky.
- Astrophytum capricorne var. crassispinum (H.Moeller) Y.Okomura: Beautiful variety with striking strong flat and large spines up to 8.5 cm long. It is very similar to Astrophytum capricorne var niveum (and the differences between this variety is questionable)
- Astrophytum capricorne var. crassispinum f. cristata hort.: crested form with strong, long, flat and large spines.
- Astrophytum capricorne var. crassispinum cv. Hooks: This is a rare form with spines ending with a hook.
- Astrophytum capricorne var. crassispinum cv. Kigan: (cv. Kigan Gyoku) monstrous form loosing frequently its apical dominance with irregular shaped stems..
- Astrophytum capricorne var. crassispinum cv. Taiho-gyoku Megata: (cv. Taiho Gyoku) has few but stout, very wide and flatt spines.
- Astrophytum capricorne var. mayor Frič: Larger form when living in open fields but very similar to standard Astrophytum capricorne (and the differences between this two forms is questionable)
- Astrophytum capricorne var. minus C.Runge & Quehl: (ho-o-gyoku, ho-o-maru) Small growing variety of the species when living in open fields.
- Astrophytum capricorne var. niveum Y.Okomura: (cv. Hakuzuiho Gyoku) This form has striking more rigid and wide thorns and very more closely whiter flockingIt, it is bigger than var. senilis and aureum, and its dimension are similar to the standard species.
- Astrophytum capricorne f. nudum
- Astrophytum capricorne subs. senile (Frič) Doweld: It has dark reddish brown till black coloring spines, soon getting grey, bristly, flexible, square in cross-section, up to 10 cm long and pointing in all directions that often form up spirals, they are so densely nest wrapped that the body is hardly visible and looks like a dry grass bundle.
- Astrophytum capricorne subs. senile cv. Krausii: has pure white spines and a yellow flower but without the typical red throat.
- Astrophytum capricorne subs. senile cv. Rosa: ( cv. Pink Flowers) This is a selected form with Orangish or pinkish flowers with a red centre.
- Astrophytum capricorne cv. Backebergi
- Astrophytum capricorne cv. Crassispinoides
- Astrophytum capricorne cv. Kiho-gyoku: (= Kihou Gyoku) like A. capricorne v. crassispinum but with yellow spines.
- Astrophytum capricorne cv. Snowfrec: has a greater density of white spots.
Notes: This variety has been discovered only on 1930 by Viereck on the North the town of Cuatro Cinegas, Kaiser made the first desription in 1933 with the name Echinocactus capricornisSN|3565]]SN|3565]] v. niveus, the same year Okomura renamed it with its actual name.
Bibliography: Major references and further lectures
1) Edward Anderson “The Cactus family” Timber Press, Incorporated, 2001
2) James Cullen, Sabina G. Knees, H. Suzanne Cubey "The European Garden Flora Flowering Plants: A Manual for the Identification of Plants Cultivated in Europe, Both Out-of-Doors and Under Glass" Cambridge University Press, 11/Aug/2011
3) David R Hunt; Nigel P Taylor; Graham Charles; International Cactaceae Systematics Group. "The New Cactus Lexicon" dh books, 2006Jackie M. Poole, William R. Carr, Dana M. Price, Jason R. Singhurst “Rare plants of Texas: a field guide” Texas A&M University Press, 30/Dec/2007
4) Hiroshi Hirao “Colour encyclopaedia of cacti” Seibundo Shinkosha, 1979
5) Hans Hecht “BLV-Handbuch der Kakteen” BLV-Verlagsgesellschaft, 1982
6) Willy Cullmann, Erich Götz (Dozent Dr.), Gerhard Gröner “The encyclopedia of cacti” Timber Press, 1987
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Read More... Cultivation and Propagation: It is a popular summer-growing species of relatively easy cultivation.
Growth rate: Slow-growing.
Soil: Grow it in an open standard, sandy-gritty cactus compost and provide a very good drainage.
Exposure: It is suited for sunny-brightly exposure, but can tolerate light shade. However it will do its best with lots of sun and become stressed with inadequate light which could result in poor growth and unnatural shape. It has a good heat tolerance.
Watering: Water regularly (about once a week) during the growing season and keep it completely dry during winter or when night temperatures remain below 10° C. Water it less than average if in bigger pots.
Fertilization: Feed them once during the growing season with a fertilizer specifically formulated for cactus and succulents (high potash fertilizer with a dilute low nitrogen), including all micro nutrients and trace elements diluted to ½ the strength recommended on the label. They thrive in poor soils and need a limited supplies of fertilizer to avoid the plants developing excess vegetation, which is easily attacked by fungal diseases.
Special need: It is suited for airy exposures. Provide very good ventilation. Nearly all problems occur as a result of overwatering and poor ventilation, especially when weather conditions are dull and cool or very humid. ere.
Hardiness: It likes warmth (recommended minimum winter temperature 5° C) But plants kept perfectly dry can easily survive to light frost (it is reported hardy to -7° C for brief periods).
Pests & diseases: These cacti may be attractive to a variety of insects, but plants in good condition should be nearly pest-free, particularly if they are grown in a mineral potting-mix, with good exposure and ventilation. Nonetheless, there are several pests to watch for:
- Red spiders: Red spiders may be effectively rubbed up by misting the plants from above.
- Mealy bugs: Mealy bugs occasionally develop aerial into the new leaves and flowers with disfiguring results, but the worst types develop underground on the roots and are invisible except by their effects.
- Scales, thrips and aphids: These insects are rarely a problem.
- Rot: Rot is only a minor problem if the plants are watered and “aired” correctly. If they are not, fungicides won't help all that much.
Propagation: It can be propagated easily from seed (seldom produces offsets). The seeds can be sown in pots of fine, well-drained sandy soil, any time during the spring when temperatures are warm. Cover the seeds with a fine layer of grit and water from below with a fungicide to prevent damping off. For the 1-2 weeks cover the pots with a sheet of glass/clear perspex to keep the humidity levels high. Remove the glass and replace it with light shade-cloth and mist once or twice a day for the next two weeks after which most seeds should have germinated. From then on mistings can be reduced to every second and then every third day as the little plants grow. The seedlings should not be disturbed until they are well rooted after which they can be planted separately in small pots. Sometimes it is grafted to avoid root rot problems as plants grafted on an hardy stock are easy to grow and no special skill is required.